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Manali has a pre-historic legend behind its name. Vaivasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu, the first creation according to Hindu mythology, found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion, for one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish until it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before departing, the fish warned Manu of an impending deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a seaworthy ark. When the flood came, Matsya (fish), the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, towed Vaivasvata and the Seven Sages to safety. As the waters subsided, the seventh Manu's ark came to rest on a hillside and the place was named Manali after him.

Introduction

Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year.Manali derived its name from Manavalaya meaning the abode of Manu or "Home of Manu" and here, the temples are treated as pilgrimages. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking.

Location

Manali is situated in the central parts of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is 32 km from Kullu valley, 280 km north of the state capital Shimla and 108 km from Mandi. Manali is located at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level and is spread along the banks of the river Beas.

Weather

In winters, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended. In Manali, one can find high mountains shrouded by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. There are thick forests, filled with cool breezes and bird song.

Places to see

Arjun Gufa

On the left bank of the river Beas, near Prini village, is the "Arjun Gufa" or the cave of Arjuna. It is believed that Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

Hadimba Temple

Built in 1553, this four-story wooden Hadimba or Dhungiri temple is famous for its exquisitely caved doorway. It is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.

Jagatsuhk

About 6 kms. from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in "shikara" style. It houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.

Kothi

This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12 kms. away from Manali town. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

Manu Temple

Manali is named after the sage Manu who was the creator of human race on the earth and it is believed that he meditated here. This is supposed to be the only temple of Manu in India.

Monasteries

Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.

Rahala waterfalls

About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.

Rohtang Pass

(3979 m)Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly a breath taking sight.

Solang Valley

Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. The 12-km hike up the western banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy.

Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple

(3 kms)Across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. There is a pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni and another Temple of Lord Ram.

Bhimashankar is located on the lateral edge of a broad hilltop in the main Sahyadri mountains range at a height of about 3500 feet above sea level in Pune district, Maharashtra, India. Bhimashankar, a paradise destination for pilgrims, trekkers, nature lovers, jungle lovers and bird spectator due to Jyotirlingam (pilgrim centre) and Wildlife sanctuary. It is also a very good hill station. Bhimashankar is definitely one of God's choicest creations.

From Chembur, Thane and Kalyan bus terminus, State Transport (ST) Buses are available for Bhimashankar and are running with good frequency.

The other route is trekkers favourite one. From Mumbai, travel by a train to Karjat. Take a bus from Karjat to village Khandas (14 kms), Khandas is at the base of Bhimashankar. From Khandas, one has to cross a stream nearby. Here onwards two ways are available for Bhimashankar, one via Shidighat, while other via Ganesh Ghat. The distance is of about 11 kms. These routes are wonderful, difficult but adventurous to reach the top. (For trekkers only)

Event Description:
We have received an overwhelming response to our monsoon treks
this season. Since we had limitations in accommodating more than 27
people for Dabhosa Waterfall trail , and given the keen interest shown by so many people, we are pleased to announce another Trek to Fort Sagargad on 12th July 2009 ( Sunday ).

As monsoon sets in, young shoots begin to appear and brightly colored flowers adorn the green carpet. The freshwater crabs and frogs awaken from their long, deep slumber and scramble around; insects hop and buss around from one branch to another; birds chirp loudly and dance about to attract mates; all this is the celebration of the monsoon.

If the, the cloudy days, the lush green hills, the gushing streams, the cascading waterfalls, the misty mountain tops, entice and inspire you we have a perfect respite for you. Away from the maddening city crowds and the concrete jungle and yet not too far away, Jungle Lore welcomes you to for a one day trek to Fort Sagargad to get you back in time and one with nature, and for some to see your tie-clad colleagues pushed to the edge!

About the Fort

Sagargad is situated near Alibag, on Mumbai-Alibag road & at a distance of 8 km before Alibag. There are two routes that lead to the top of the fort. One is from a village named Khandala and the other is from Vaghole. Both these villages lie on the bus-route to Alibag, from Mumbai. The route to Sagargad is a scenic one with lush green vegetation complimented by a relatively thick jungle. We would be taking the route from Khandala to reach to the top.

Please Note–
- No shortcuts during the trail
- Keep the trek route & surrounding clean.
- Leaving your garbage anywhere during the trek is not allowed
- Smoking and Drinking during the trek is not allowed.
- Your seat will be confirmed only after payment of booking amount is receive

This photo was taken at Ajanta Caves, which is recognised by UNESCO and included it in its World Heritage List in the year 1983. The famous Ajanta caves are situated about 100 kms away from Aurangabad district in the state of Maharashtra in India. The caves are cut from the volcanic rocks of the Deccan plateau in the forest ravines of the Sahyadri Hills and are set in beautiful sylvan surroundings. They were discovered accidentally by a British Captain, John Smith in 1819, while on a hunting expedition. These caves are dedicated to Lord buddha. The followers and students of buddhism treated these caves as mosoon retreats where they could come and study about the religion. These caves were carved out from the 2nd Century BC to the 6th Century AD. The caves can be basically divided into 2 categories - Chaitya Grihas and Viharas. Chaitya Griha as they were called is basically a prayer hall. Viharas are basically a monastry where the monks used to reside.

This photograph is one of the numerous paintings on the walls of the caves. One tends to wonder how in those era (2nd BC - 6th AD) people could paint with such rich colors inside dark caves with such perfection. Moreover the paintings have stood the test of time and are still there. Hats off to those guys......

Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India are rock-cut cave monuments dating back to the second century BCE and containing paintings and sculpture considered to be masterpieces of both "Buddhist religious art" and "universal pictorial art." The caves are located just outside the village of Ajinṭhā in Aurangabad District in the Indian state of Maharashtra (N. lat. 20 deg. 30' by E. long. 75 deg. 40'). Since 1983, the Ajanta Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The vaishnavite Varadaraja perumal temple stands within a huge walled temple complex in the far southeast of town of Kancheepuram, guarded by high gates topped with gopurams. The temple has two high towers, one in the east (which is much larger than the other) and the other in the west.

Also known as Devarajaswamy temple, it is absolutely massive and impressive edifice. The shrine of Devarajaswamy is located on an elephant-shaped rock called Hastagiri. The inner sanctum has splendid lingams, carvings and well-preserved paintings.

There is an elaborate sixteenth-century pillared hall close to the western entrance gate. The 1000 pillared hall has interesting and highly detailed sculptures. The outer columns of pillars of this mandapa are sculpted as lions, and warriors rearing horses, to celebrate the military dynamism of the Vijayanagaras, who believed their competence was inspired by the influence of Shakti.

Tungareshwar is at an altitude of about 2177 feets, one of the highest mountain plateaus in Vasai. It is thickly wooded and offers many opportunities to trekkers, mountaineers and nature lovers. The best time to visit Tungareshwar is during the rains or the winter season.It is a holy destination for the devotees of Lord Shankar.Tungareshwar is near Vasai, an hour's drive from Mumbai. Vasai Road Railway Station is the nearby access point.

The temple of Shiva is on the slope of hill which is known as Tungareshwar hill. Nearby flows Tungareshwar river. Behind the temple is the reservoir `Ramkund'.

A number of medicinal plants and herbs are there on the way. In addition to the ancient temple, there is a river, beautiful streams and waterfalls.Dense and Lush green forest is all round ,chirping of birds and insects is heard all time as one follows the way in woods.Inspite of being located very near to Mumbai, this place still holds its peace and greenery.

Reach – Car – W.E. Highway to Dahisar Check Naka, NH8 to Kaman junction. Approx. 45 Min. from North Mumbai.Rail & Bus– Naigoan Station (Western Railway) – from Naigoan East outside the railway station share Autos are available, per head they charge around Rs.20/- It only takes 20min. to reach Kaman Junction.Vasai Station – S.T. Buses are available to reach Kaman Junction.

Trek Cum Picnic starts right from the Kaman Junction. Route towards the waterfall passes through dense forest, streams and small waterfalls at both the sides. It takes minimum 1 hour to reach the main waterfall. One can divide this spots in two parts (a) Main waterfall has good height. Few groups also arranges Valley crossing and Rappelling (B) there is one spot on the way to main waterfall where most of the visitor enjoys. Swimmers jumps from the top in the water, as it is very deep.

Caution :- Swimmer should take care while diving/jumping in pond below waterfall , it had been proved fatal to few people in recent past